Michigan almost through grinder

October 09, 2006|AL LESAR Tribune Staff Writer

Protocol around the Michigan football program these days calls for one opponent to be thoroughly vanquished and put to rest before the next can be discussed. Saturday's 31-13 conquest of Michigan State was so convincing that it barely was a few minutes into Wolverine coach Lloyd Carr's meeting with the media that he already was quizzed about next Saturday night's trip to Penn State. "We know what's in front of us," said Carr, who realized the time for celebrating a big rivalry win just ended. "It's not much different from what we've faced the last four weeks." It's been a meat grinder for Michigan, starting with its stunning win at Notre Dame. That was followed with victories over Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan State. That sets the table for the 8 p.m. start -- a kickoff time Carr dreads -- against the Nittany Lions, whose only loss last season was to Michigan in the final second of the game, before the Wolverines' home date with Iowa. If Michigan can scale the next two challenges successfully, home games with Northwestern and Ball State and a visit to Indiana could send them into the Ohio State game unbeaten. "It's a long season," Michigan's fifth-year senior defensive end LaMarr Woodley warned. "Every step of the way, the most important thing is preparation." Preparation has made for an impressive run so far. This is the first time Michigan has started the season with six straight wins since its national championship run in 1997. Preparation has played a key role in the Wolverine defense giving up just 40 rushing yards a game so far. Michigan didn't give up a rushing touchdown in the first five games, before Michigan State's Jehuu Caulcrick and Drew Stanton each scored from close range. "If we prepare each week, we're not going to have a letdown," said Michigan safety Jamar Adams, who had an interception Saturday. "It's all about guys executing and being disciplined." Linebacker Prescott Burgess has emerged as one of the impact players for a Wolverine defense that is loaded with them. He had three stunning hits Saturday that brought the crowd to its feet. "I try to make plays that get our defense all riled up," said Burgess, who succeeded regularly. "I concentrate on keeping my feet moving and taking care of the little things. When I do that, it makes me a better player." The win over the Spartans was just one more statement made by Michigan. "Every game is a statement game," Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne said. "Our schedule is tough. Any team in the (Big Ten) can beat us. When we go out there each time, our emotion has to be up." "You measure a team at the end of the season," Carr said. "We talked about the schedule before the season started in training camp. It's very apparent ... if you don't prepare on a day-in, day-out basis, you're gonna get beat. It's fundamental. This conference is... it's a... it's a trip." So far, the Wolverines are enjoying the trip.